Continuity and Change Over Time Essay AP World History Continuity and Change Over Time Essay

What is the CCOT Essay? An essay discussing characteristics that changed and stayed the same in a given region between two time periods. Comparison essay, but across time rather than region.

What is the CCOT Essay? The CCOT deals specifically with analysis of continuities and changes over time covering at least one of the periods in the course outline. For example, it might address technology, trade, culture, migrations, or environment. The CCOT question requires analysis of process and explanation of the cause of continuity and change with specific examples.

What you need to do. Find the Change Find the Continuity Recognize it as it occurs in history. Identify and explain the causes of change. Find the Continuity Recognize factors which remain the same throughout an entire period. Identify and explain the factors which allow this to continue.

The “Change” Must discuss (using concrete details) and analyze changes that occurred relevant to the questions. Use the word “because” a lot. You must give historically correct information. If the question discusses specific terms, such as social and political, you need to focus on political and social changes. If the question is more vague, you need to think of aspects to base your analysis on.

The “Continuity” The question also asks you to address continuities. Generally these are patterns or cultural tendencies that remain stagnant for years and years. For example: Think of the role of women, religions, philosophies, or conflict between the social classes. It is very important to remember that you need to have concrete details to back up your continuity.

Starting and Ending Point In order to get complete credit for the CCOT, you need to address the starting point. In order to analyze changes, you must discuss what it was like at the beginning. Pay attention to time period assigned and keep to that.

Good and Bad Writing You must identify the change and make it clear why that change occurred. Bad: Prior to 1948 the Jewish people had no homeland. In 1948, Israel was established. Good: In the Early 20th century, few people saw a need for the establishment of an independent Jewish state. However, once the world realized the massive genocide of Jews that took place during World War II, support for the establishment of Israel began to grow.

For the Synthesis Discuss “global context”. What is going on around the world at the time that may be influencing what is going on in the region you are examining? Connect to world processes and change.

Helpful Hints Draw a timeline to help connect the era and events you will talk about. Identify what the situation was at the beginning of the era, also known as a baseline. Cite a fact about this. Identify what the situation was at the end of the era. Try to explain the process of change. How and why did it happen?